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Leveraging High-Resolution LiDAR and Stream Geomorphic Assessment Datasets to Expand Regional Hydraulic Geometry Curves for Vermont: A Blueprint for New England States

Regional hydraulic geometry curves for Vermont and surrounding portions of New England states will be updated through consideration of additional observations, and through application of advanced statistical techniques (e.g., clustering, multiple linear regression, Bayesian inference) that leverage newly-available high-resolution laser radar (LiDAR) and stream geomorphic assessment data. This will result in updated regional curves (or sets of curves) and will be made publicly-available for use by transportation departments of the New England states, as well as engineers and scientists working at private firms, non-governmental organizations and state and federal agencies. Updated curves will support sizing of stream crossing structures as well as embankment design for roads and rails that share narrow valleys with rivers. Geomorphically-compatible structures will have greater resilience to extreme flood events and will support aquatic organism passage objectives.